South African trap superstar and singer-songwriter Mthembeni “Emtee” Ndevu has come a long way since releasing the first installment of his iconic DIY series back in 2015. From breaking into the industry with his seminal magnum opus, “Roll Up”, in the same year to cementing his continental lead in the trap space with a run of four successful LPs between 2015 and 2021, Emtee’s discography has remained untainted. In a bid to extend the shine of his catalogue, Ndevu is back with the third volume of his flagship DIY albums, with the latest drop being titled DIY 3.
The eleven-song hip-hop album finds its way around with the guardrails of trap production mingled with elements of contemporary R&B and drill music. Throughout the 36-minute spin, the cut’s ornate yet toned-down sound shapeshifts to suit the whims of Ndevu’s mood swings, which manifest as elegiac struggle songs, contemplative ballads, vibe-inducing thumpers fit for riding around, and power anthems extruded from Emtee’s rich cache of lived-experience and publicised hardship. Guided by Young2uunBeats, Ext9Sound, Lostboy, Tru Hitz, Sgivo Beats, Co Kayn, KnifeBeats, and Xivonaki Manzini, DIY 3 is a consistent sonic tapestry in texture.
DIY 3 cover art | SUPPLIED
Assisted by a feature list as short as the album itself, Emtee is joined by the likes of Nanette, Saudi, and Just G. Traversing DIY 3 with his trusted companions, his voice towers over the contributions of his guests as he speaks on the enjoyment of life (“Good Time” and “Blessed”), staying true to himself (“Keep It Real” and “Amanga (Read the Room)”), love (“Get Straight to It” and “Wake Up”), as well as ambition and hustling (“War”, “Believer”, and “Patience”).
As per usual, Emtee steps into familiar territory, with the rapper indulging himself, rather haplessly, to consistent drug-related references. The SAMA-winning star also falls back on what he’s used to, with his lyricism exploring his unbreakable spirit, which has been subjected to the crucible of public shame, challenges within the dimension of hip-hop, and personal struggles involving his friends and family.
On DIY 3, Mthembeni sounds resigned more than laidback, which can be heard in his non-confrontational tone and his subject selection which encompasses songwriting that is inward-looking and concerned with the preservation of self. Whether he’s dusting the dirt off his shoulders and reminding himself of who he is on “Believer” or practising gratitude on “Blessed”, the Mzansi trap star’s album mirrors his avoidant attitude to difficulties, choosing to focus more on himself, bettering his career, and taking care of his kids as he rehashes over and over.
Listen to “Believer”:
There are times when he touches on external provocation, presumably from rapper Big Zulu, who has been a thorn on his flesh for a century and some change. Yet, he only raps about such in passing, signifying that he’s focused on other areas that have nothing to do with proving a point. But then again, this is Emtee. With awards and acclaim going before him everywhere he goes, it makes sense that Ndevu should take this path – he is a man who has nothing to prove, and he leverages this knowledge to not take the bait. Whether this is an excuse, or an ostensible reason is up for interpretation.
DIY 3 is Emtee rising from the ashes, or at least an attempt at doing so. While he still wrestles with his carnal vices such as drugs, the “Manando” hitmaker has enough grip on himself and reality to craft an opus which is honest to his situation as an embattled musician and a persevering person. He might not have everything figured out, but he understands what makes him tick well enough. Because of that alone, he is able to draw a treasure map illustrating what’s important to him, such as his kids and his career, and the album is him trying to find his way around in search of this chest of valuables.
Listen to DIY 3:
